It was a bleak morning with overcast skies. No matter. I set out to finish the Florida Trail, at least my portion from Alligator Alley north to Tallahassee. And my hard work of 54 days walking, and 733 miles staying with it, paid off. I finished my journey The Florida Historic Trail is a great place to wander and reflect on life and the world. Yea, and it is tough. Also, I did not finish the entire trail which actually is 1400 miles. No worry. It is there if I ever want to.
I pass through the road construction area at 6:30 AM just as the road crews are beginning to work. I look into their faces remembering their comments in the Camp dining hall. Strangely, l’ll miss them too. It seems I’ve become attached to the road and all associated with it. But, this turns out to be a very difficult walking day. The rain comes early and only clears for short periods of time. Going up the many mountain passes and then back down is painful and I struggle. At 7 PM I am still climbing and exhausted when a pick up truck pulls up to me. In a strong southern accent the young man says “I got a seventeen foot oversized load coming. I’d sure appreciate it if you would step off the road when you see it approaching.”
By 8PM my left heel is in pain. And then suddenly it is over. I have walked the Dalton Road, 415 miles, from top to bottom. Am I ready for Stage 2 ??????????????